TECH, BUSINESS AND CAREER INSIGHTS

Resolutions You Can Actually Stick With

The holiday season brings lists galore: shopping lists, grocery lists, party lists and the often-dreaded New Year’s resolution list. Even though it may seem pointless to implement a New Year’s resolution (a measly 8 percent of people only stick with them), these goals should be taken seriously. A resolution allows you to look back at what you did wrong the last year, so you can steer clear of those mistakes in the year ahead.

Perhaps you want to focus your resolution on your career and not so much on your personal life. So how can you reprioritize goals, plans, dreams and directions to fuel your thoughts? Here are a few suggestions to make 2018 your year at work.

DO SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF EVERYDAYWhen life gets hectic, it can be easy to forget about the most important person: yourself. Sometimes it’s the simple, totally do-able things that make a difference in your life. According to psychologists, “me time” improves concentration, increases productivity and reboots our brain – all of which will directly impact the quality of work you produce. Sure, there'll be things that sidetrack your day, but it’s important to remember to take care yourself more often than not. Whether it’s giving yourself some much needed “me time” or surrounding yourself with people who make you smile, take some time this new year to give yourself some love.

STRIVE TO LEARN SOMETHING NEWNo matter your age, you can learn something new every day. Think about all the people you have the chance to interact with daily – everyone you meet knows something you don’t. Seeking out knowledge, acquiring new skills or developing character traits can help you in the long run. Improving your ability to read people, personalities, and your own motivation can be accomplished in many ways such as traveling, volunteering and networking. This new year, try to expand the ways that you learn new things.

CHALLENGE YOURSELFIt can be easy to stay complacent in your schedule and your habits. This new year, try to challenge yourself. Taking on a 30-day challenge could be the perfect start. Stepping out of your straight and narrow ways will force you to get out of your comfort zone and become a more well-rounded individual. Whether the challenge is as simple as complimenting a colleague every day or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, setting a goal for just one month will keep you motivated and may just help you extend that 30-day goal into a 365-day one.

TAKE UP A NEW HOBBYThere are many benefits to picking up a new hobby. Trying out a new activity can reduce stress and give you a new outlet to express yourself. Most people have a bucket list of things they have always wanted to try, and now’s the time to start checking some things off that list! Hobbies don’t have to just be physical – in fact, research has shown creative hobbies can help employees recover from the demands of their job. This new year, get off the couch and get involved in new groups or hobbies.

DON'T TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLYWe’ve all been guilty of this. Whether it be in our jobs, hobbies or relationships, most people take themselves too seriously. For example, do you tend to micro-manage others? If so, realize that you might be standing in not only your colleague’s way, but also your own. Be open to new advice, differing perspectives or opposing opinions. As stated above, it’s important to learn new things. Try to think of the people you consider a “know-it-all” and steer clear of those personality traits. If you are too stuck in your ways, you might be missing out.

There are millions of potential New Year resolutions to implement in 2018. Evaluate what things are important to you and start making a list, then pick the top five that are most realistic for you. If you stick to it, you will leave behind the old you and become a more happy, confident individual. Like they say, “New Year, New You!”.